The Future of Career

Book excerpt: The fragmented nature of modern working life is leading to fundamental changes in our understanding of the term career . Few people now expect to have a lifetime of continuous employment, regardless of their qualifications or the sector they work in. This book presents a kaleidoscopic view of the concept of career, reviewing its past and considering its future. International specialists in psychology, sociology, counselling, education and human resource management offer a multi-layered examination of career theories and practice, identifying the major changes taking place in the world of work that are challenging and extending the meaning of the word career. The overall aim is to redefine it in ways that are relevant to the newly emerging network society of the 21st century. The chapters are wide-ranging, exploring topics such as the changing contexts of career, individual career experiences, women s careers, multicultural issues, and implications for practice and policy-making.